Issue 99 - Nasho Front Page
Issue 99 - Nasho Front Page
Issue 99 - Nasho Front Page
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
NASHO<br />
NEWS<br />
NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUST (QLD) INC.<br />
<strong>Issue</strong> No <strong>99</strong> February 2010<br />
Feature Stories: President’s Report p1<br />
Metroplex Guarantees Wacol Future p2<br />
Laying Up of NSAA Flag p6
Directory<br />
State Management<br />
Committee<br />
Patron:<br />
Major-General Kevin Cooke AO RFD ED<br />
President:<br />
Bill Morriss 4632 2850<br />
0412 569 058<br />
Vice-President:<br />
Ivan Davis 0422 647 790<br />
Secretary:<br />
Howard Bazeley 3343 1417<br />
3343 4195 Fax<br />
Treasurer:<br />
Warren Hegarty 4779 5590<br />
4725 2272 Fax<br />
Administration Manager:<br />
Tony Stevenson 3397 7512<br />
Committee Members:<br />
Noel Findlay 3398 5515<br />
John Hardy 4091 9309<br />
Graham McFadzen 3711 3663<br />
Alex Nunn 54<strong>99</strong> 2810<br />
Vince Urquhart 0418 766 271<br />
Editor <strong>Nasho</strong> News:<br />
Allen Callaghan 3396 3369<br />
allgwen@powerup.com.au<br />
Fred Petersen 3396 5015<br />
Membership Officer:<br />
Ray Lower 5447 6691<br />
Chaplain:<br />
Captain John Tatters 3204 5985<br />
State Welfare Officer:<br />
Bruce Reedman 3488 0557<br />
Head Office & Membership Inquiries:<br />
National Servicemen’s Hall<br />
Eric Sivell Park,<br />
171 Boundary Road, Camp Hill, Brisbane 4152<br />
Phone: 3324 1277<br />
Fax: 3324 2777<br />
Office Hours: 9:00am to 1:00pm<br />
Monday, Friday<br />
All Correspondence to:<br />
P.O. Box 7014 Holland Park East Qld 4121<br />
Email<br />
nashosqld@gmail.com<br />
Web<br />
www.nashoqld.org.au<br />
National Website www.nashoaustralia.org.au<br />
<strong>Front</strong> Cover<br />
One more move to come for the<br />
Everymans’ Hut and other<br />
buildings at the Wacol Heritage<br />
Precinct to their permanent<br />
home in the redevelopment of<br />
the former Wacol Army Camp.<br />
See story <strong>Page</strong> 3 for full details.<br />
<strong>Issue</strong> No.100 will be a<br />
retrospective special.<br />
Don’t send Branch News – send<br />
us one photo that you would like<br />
to commemorate your Branch<br />
with...Editor.<br />
See Branch News<br />
Official NSAA<br />
Merchandise<br />
OFFICIAL NSAA MERCHANDISE<br />
Beret $32<br />
Beret Badge – Pewter $5.50<br />
Beret Badge – Silver Six Sided Logo $20<br />
Book – 20 Year History of the NSAA 1987 to 2007 $25<br />
Caps Embroidered with <strong>Nasho</strong> Logo $17.50<br />
Coffee Cup with <strong>Nasho</strong> Logo $ 9.00<br />
Flag – Association Logo White Full Size (6'x3') $180<br />
Flag – Association Logo White small size (hand waver) $12.50<br />
Lapel Badge – Association Blue $5.50<br />
Lapel Badge – Navy, Army or Air Force $6.50<br />
Lapel Badge – Tri-service $6.50<br />
Medals Full Size Unmounted Swing Court<br />
ADM $18 $22.50 $27.50<br />
ANSM $18 $22.50 $27.50<br />
Duo ADM+ANSM $36 $45 $55<br />
Miniatures Unmounted Swing Court<br />
ADM $12 $16.50 $21<br />
ANSM $12 $16.50 $21<br />
Duo $24 $33 $42<br />
Medal Ribbon bar with ADM+ANSM medal ribbons $12<br />
Necktie with <strong>Nasho</strong> Logo $33.50<br />
<strong>Nasho</strong> Pocket Patch – Bullion Thread – Red $36<br />
<strong>Nasho</strong> Pocket Patch – Queensland Red Logo $ 9<br />
<strong>Nasho</strong> Port $13.50<br />
<strong>Nasho</strong> Key Rings Acrylic $4.50<br />
<strong>Nasho</strong> Wattle Key Rings $10<br />
Number plate covers ‘I Am a <strong>Nasho</strong>’ $22<br />
Shirts – Chambray short or long sleeves S M L XL XXL<br />
(add $3 for XXXL size) $36<br />
Shirts – Polo White or Maroon S M L XL XXL<br />
(add $3 for XXXL size) $31<br />
Stubby Holder with <strong>Nasho</strong> Logo $5.50<br />
Video – 50 year anniversary celebrations $15<br />
Video – Last March Out at Wacol $15<br />
Wall Plaque – 6 sided <strong>Nasho</strong> Logo on Timber $42.50<br />
Pay by Credit Card – add $1.00<br />
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER<br />
The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment only, and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any<br />
particular matter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained or implied by this publication, without taking<br />
appropriate professional advice which relates specifically to their particular circumstances. The publishers and authors expressly disclaim all<br />
and any liability to any person whether an Association member or not, who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon the whole<br />
or part of the publication. Views expressed in any Editorial may not necessarily be those views held by the Management Committee.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT<br />
There have been two major developments that will secure the future of the Queensland Branch<br />
of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia.<br />
The first is that after a period of tight finances, we have turned the corner and are on a sound footing<br />
again.<br />
The second is that the future of the National Service Heritage Precinct at Wacol has been guaranteed<br />
by Metroplex.<br />
FINANCES<br />
Our income had been strained by the loss on the second concert at the 20th anniversary celebrations<br />
in Toowoomba in 2007 but we’ve now recovered fully and we’re in the black.<br />
We’ve made economies to make sure we stay that way including making <strong>Nasho</strong> News four issues a<br />
year and reducing other costs.<br />
After lengthy delays due to court actions brought by the opponents of the development of the former<br />
Wacol Army Camp, the developers, Metroplex, now have begun planning for the start of work once<br />
they receive final approvals from the Brisbane City Council. That will be 18 months to three years<br />
but in a meeting with the State Management Committee on 1 February, Metroplex guaranteed it<br />
would meet all its commitments to the Association including a grant of $150,000 to cover what<br />
we’ve already outlaid on the Precinct. You can see the full details in the next story in this issue.<br />
BRANCHES<br />
As your President I’ve travelled extensively around Queensland meeting Branches and you,<br />
our members, to tell you what the SMC is doing and to hear what you want.<br />
Two branches - Gold Coast North and Townsville – applied to hold the State Conference/Reunion<br />
in 2011. Townsville Branch was selected as it will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the first<br />
National Servicemen marching into the Garbutt RAAF Base in Townsville in July 1951. More<br />
information will be supplied in future <strong>Nasho</strong> News editions.<br />
The other big event this year will be the dedication of the National Service Memorial at the<br />
Australian War Memorial in Canberra by the Governor-General on Wednesday, 8 September.<br />
The Association is searching for the relatives of the 212 <strong>Nasho</strong>s who died on active service in<br />
Borneo and Vietnam. If you have a family in your Branch area, please let the Editor, Allen<br />
Callaghan; know so they can be contacted.<br />
PAGE 1
METROPLEX GUARANTEES WACOL FUTURE<br />
Metroplex has confirmed its commitment to moving and upgrading the National Service Heritage<br />
Precinct at Wacol.<br />
Vice-President Ivan Davis (left) and Past President Colin Bell inside the Everymans’ Hut, now a very<br />
rare military building, before it was moved to the then new Precinct and fully restored five years ago.<br />
The move will be at no cost to the National Servicemen’s Association and will include compensation of<br />
$150,000, once the move is completed, for work the NSAA already has undertaken at the existing<br />
Precinct.<br />
Metroplex’s General Manager, Mr.John Smallwood, told the State Management Committee at its meeting<br />
on 1 February that the move could take from 18 months to 3 years depending on the outcome of amended<br />
development applications for the entire Wacol complex to the Brisbane City Council.<br />
Mr.Smallwood outlined the delays to date due to court challenges by other parties including the Ipswich<br />
City Council and the Springfield Land Corporation that have put the project well behind schedule.<br />
“We began planning in 2005 expecting it to be underway within three years. The delays have created<br />
problems for both Metroplex and the NSAA, but they will be overcome and we remain committed to<br />
meeting our existing and ongoing obligations or commitments to the Association”.<br />
PAGE 2
“One result of the change in planning will be reduced workplace numbers at Wacol which will impact on<br />
the size and viability of the Etro area and the eventual amount of office and other uses permitted. This will<br />
impact on other parts of the development.”<br />
PRECINCT CONCEPT<br />
The Everyman’s Hut in use during National Service as a rest and recreation centre. Note the Union<br />
Jack flag which flew at Wacol with the Australian flag.<br />
Mr.Smallwood told the SMC that the Etro would be modelled on the Kelvin Grove Urban Village concept<br />
which utilises part of the former Kelvin Grove barracks where many National Servicemen trained. He<br />
said the current Precinct needed to be moved from its current location to allow the full earthworks to be<br />
completed in that area. This may also include additional road widening of the current Boundary Road<br />
reserve at the request of BCC.<br />
He said the NSAA would retain ownership and control of the use of the buildings when relocated but they<br />
would be managed by Metroplex.<br />
AGREEMENT RESTATED<br />
Mr.Smallwood reiterated the current agreement between Metroplex and the NSAA:<br />
• The existing Precinct can be relocated to a mutually agreeable location within the new Development.<br />
• The cost of relocation and making good the buildings will be at NO cost to NSAA and will be totally at<br />
MM/Developer cost and financial compensation agreed by both parties is $150,000 for costs incurred by<br />
the NSAA in the initial set-up. This will be paid once the relocation is completed.<br />
PAGE 3
• The Buildings can be upgraded to ensure they are fit use and that can include air conditioning.<br />
• Additional large items of memorabilia (guns, troop carriers etc) may be sourced by NSAA to be located<br />
within the new precinct<br />
• Option would be available for NSAA to use one / two of their buildings as part of the retail component<br />
of the Etro, (e.g. newsagent, Post Office, food outlet) either to operate themselves or to lease to an<br />
operator. The reduced size of the development will reduce the available market.<br />
• The buildings that would be available to the public include the Chapel; the Everyman’s Hut as a<br />
community hall and the museum. However it was noted the museum may need additional security as a<br />
result of de-commissioned rifles etc being stored there.<br />
• A Parade Ground or assembly area for up to 300 people on certain days is essential – estimated area is<br />
approx 600m2. This cannot be used as a car park during normal times but can be a paved public area for<br />
all to use. The size of the parade ground is yet to be determined and no set size has been agreed. (Fit for<br />
purpose will be the criteria.)<br />
• The Precinct will be a feature of the Etro. It is unlikely to be located in the conservation zone, although<br />
it could front it.<br />
• Monuments – feature flagpole, and memorial wall and walk,<br />
• Security of the heritage buildings important – advised of proposed on-site security – including cameras<br />
plus option for caretaker residential flat in the Etro.<br />
• Urged NSAA to continue existing work to maintain momentum in view of time lapse and to maintain<br />
an acceptable appearance.<br />
BUILDINGS<br />
Before and after – the derelict Chapel, restored for services and commemorations<br />
PAGE 4
There are 5 buildings within the existing compound that are to be relocated into the new precinct.<br />
• The Chapel; Everyman’s Hut; Museum; classroom and one other small building that has no defined use at<br />
present.<br />
In addition to the buildings in the compound, Metroplex also has set aside the two small Nissan huts that<br />
currently have been left in-situ on the high ground in the western portion of the site. The NSAA also originally<br />
requested to be donated the building known as F10 that is located behind our display suite to be used as an<br />
additional Museum. This was agreed. Finally there is one additional building (the former battalion HQ) that<br />
has potential for relocation to the new precinct because of its style, as a multiple eatery outlet. All these<br />
buildings have remained in-situ to avoid ‘double handling’<br />
Mr.Smallwood said Metroplex was currently preparing a new application for the balance of the eastern and<br />
southern portions of the estate which would be lodged on the 26th of February.<br />
One new factor is notice from the Brisbane City Council’s Heritage Division of its intention to list the existing<br />
precinct on the Heritage Register. It is most important for both NSAA and MM that this action does not<br />
proceed as it will provide a very unsatisfactory outcome for both parties. As per the original agreement<br />
between the NSAA and MM there is no objection to the listing of the buildings once they have been relocated<br />
and upgraded. Metroplex believes it is important that they are as they reflect an important part of Australian<br />
history.<br />
SUMMARY<br />
Mr.Smallwood told the SMC it was Metroplex’s intention to continue to meet its existing and ongoing<br />
obligations or commitments to the NSAA as per our previous agreements and understandings to provide a<br />
quality and meaningful precinct that will serve the long term needs of the Association.<br />
On the question of how long all this is going to take, he said Metroplex would like to say 18 months but ‘as<br />
before we really are in the hands of the Brisbane City Council and it could be much longer.<br />
However once approval had been received, the relocation of the buildings will be a priority. If it is possible<br />
we will seek permission from Council to undertake this work prior to formal DA approval is granted.’<br />
Mr.Smallwood said that now the process had resumed, Metroplex undertook to keep the NSAA fully informed<br />
of developments on a monthly basis.<br />
Don’t mess with us – National Service Corporals in 11 Battalion at Wacol. Note the side-arms which appear to<br />
be Webley revolvers.<br />
PAGE 5
NSAA FLAG LAID UP AT WACOL<br />
The quartet of flags hanging in the Chapel at Wacol has been completed.<br />
State Padre Captain John Tatters blesses the National Service Ensign handed to him by bearer, Tony Stevenson.<br />
Noel Findlay assists.<br />
The National Servicemen’s Association of Australia’s flag was<br />
marched in by its own Escort on, National Service day. 14 February.<br />
This marks the day on which the last National Servicemen<br />
completed his obligation.<br />
(Bugler Paul Staines sounds the Last Post and the Rouse with an<br />
historic 1903 Queensland Army bugle)<br />
It will hang with the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Australian<br />
Navy and Australian flags in the restored Chapel. Like them, it was<br />
specially made but with blue fringes on its own polished staff with<br />
a silver finial. The State Padre, Captain John Tatters, of the<br />
Salvation Army, received it from the bearer, Tony Stevenson, and<br />
after blessing it, laid it on the altar.<br />
PAGE 6
The Guard was commanded by Neil Freier with Nigel Sutton and Ron Ward providing the armed escort.<br />
The National Servicemen’s Memorial Pipes and Drums played the music.<br />
The first reading in the Service that followed was by John Smallwood, General Manager of Metroplex,<br />
which has undertaken to move and develop the Heritage Precinct in a new setting in the centre of the<br />
redevelopment of the former Wacol Army Camp.<br />
The second reading was by National Serviceman, Allen<br />
May (left) who was the forward scout for D Company, 6<br />
Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment in the battle<br />
of Long Tan on 18 August 1966. He was the first into the<br />
battle and the last out when just over 100 Australians held<br />
off an estimated two battalions of North Vietnamese<br />
regulars and Viet Cong guerrillas. A total of 18<br />
Australians were killed including 11 National<br />
Servicemen.<br />
The second reading was<br />
by a French National<br />
Serviceman, Louis<br />
Sultan (right), who<br />
served as a Lieutenant in<br />
the French Marines. He<br />
was awarded the Legion<br />
of Honour for bravery in<br />
the Algerian War and is<br />
President of the French<br />
Veterans’ Association of<br />
Queensland.<br />
The National President<br />
of the Association, Earle<br />
Jennings, (left) said<br />
National Service was<br />
neither about glory nor<br />
boasting but about those<br />
who had served<br />
Australia honourably<br />
and well when their<br />
country required it.<br />
He said it was fitting that this year would see the<br />
National Service Memorial dedicated at the Australian<br />
Memorial in Canberra to the 212 who died in Borneo and<br />
Vietnam and the 287,000 who served.<br />
Mr. Jennings said the Association advocated universal<br />
National Service for all 20 years olds.<br />
Once the front line and support units were filled, the<br />
surplus would be available for a National Guard based on<br />
the American one incorporating a Coast Guard, specialist<br />
medical, engineering and other units and a service corps<br />
for conscientious objectors.<br />
PAGE 7
THE FALLEN<br />
If you had an accident at home, is there anyone else in the house or neighbours who would hear<br />
you calling for help<br />
This was brought home to me recently when the<br />
daughter of the house rang for help because the old<br />
man next door had fallen over and she couldn’t get<br />
him up.<br />
Luckily, she lives only a suburb away so I was<br />
there in 10 minutes. The old man had been<br />
shopping and was putting his groceries in the fridge<br />
when he slipped. We don’t know how long he lay<br />
there before he pulled himself towards the door and<br />
she heard his cries.<br />
The old man lives alone and has terminal cancer.<br />
The ambulance insisted on taking him to hospital<br />
for a check-up. We will not go into the fact there is<br />
an old man who is dying and there is no help for<br />
him – no place to go and no relatives to take him in.<br />
One day not too long away he will not return from<br />
hospital or will be found dead.<br />
My point is that all of us should institute a watch<br />
system where a family member or other rings at<br />
least once a day. Another option is the panic button<br />
which you push for immediate help or if you don’t<br />
answer, someone comes to investigate.<br />
Any fall at our age is serious and we will be lucky<br />
if all we do is cut or bruise ourselves, let alone<br />
broken arms, legs or hips. I’ve had one flight down<br />
the steps ending in two broken ribs and one swandive<br />
out of the bath so now I shower only.<br />
Our days of leaping over walls with a pack and rifle<br />
are long gone. So when the family asks you what<br />
would you like for your birthday, Dad, call in all the<br />
outlays you made on them over the years and ask<br />
for a Home Watch system. It well could be the<br />
difference between life and death.<br />
PAGE 8
BRANCH NEWS<br />
Edited by Fred Petersen<br />
Under the Privacy Act, details including birthdays, illness and<br />
hospitalisation cannot be included in Branch News without the<br />
person’s consent.<br />
Closing date next issue is Friday 29th April/folding date 21st May<br />
PLEASE NOTE: All questions regarding items in the <strong>Nasho</strong> News are now to be referred to the Editors<br />
and not the Office. See also information about special retrospective issue No 100<br />
BAYSIDE (Meeting 1900hrs 7p.m. 3rd Tuesday Manly Lota RSL Hall Melville Tce Manly)<br />
Ken Edwards, the Branch’s inaugural President, was re-elected at the Annual General Meeting. The<br />
Committee is Neil Freier Vice-President and acting Treasurer; Secretary Leo Solinas; Media Officer Allen<br />
Callaghan; Welfare Officer Bill Porter; Brian Sheehan and Brian Cahill. A sight-seeing cruise of the Brisbane<br />
River is planned for March.<br />
BEAUDESERT (Meeting: 1st Monday even numbered months 1030 hours. Venue: Beaudesert RSL.)<br />
Our Annual Christmas Dinner Meeting was<br />
held on 7th December at our RSL Club with<br />
over 100 members and guests attending. Our<br />
foundation Secretary Alwyn Todd was<br />
presented with Life Subscribed Membership<br />
for his dedicated service to our branch.<br />
Another foundation committee member<br />
Merv Seiler was presented with a Certificate<br />
of Appreciation for his continuous service.<br />
All widows of our local National Servicemen<br />
were invited guests at our dinner. The 13 with<br />
State Member Aidan McLindon were able to<br />
attend and they were greatly surprised when<br />
each was presented with a commemorative<br />
Widows Brooch from our Association.<br />
BEENLEIGH-LOGAN (Meeting: 4th Monday each month<br />
1000 hours. Venue: Beenleigh RSL.)<br />
The last activity for the year was an enjoyable Christmas<br />
Dinner at the Beenleigh RSL and here we have Treasurer<br />
Kevin Egan left with Guest and Branch Auditor, Major Rod<br />
Murphy (res) B Bus. CPA. from Rod Murphy and Associates<br />
plus member Pat McKee.<br />
February 22 is the 1st Meeting and AGM scheduled for 2010<br />
at the Beenleigh RSL<br />
Now into our 3rd year as a Branch we are looking forward<br />
to another rewarding 12 Months.<br />
BRISBANE SOUTH (Meeting: Last Sunday each month 0930 hours. Venue: Sunnybank Bowls Club)<br />
Our final general meeting for 2009 was followed by a break-up BBQ held at the Robertson scout hall. About<br />
70 members attended and all had an enjoyable time. Brisbane South’s 10th Anniversary luncheon, held at the<br />
Southern Cross Club at Mt. Gravatt was attended by 80 members, including our patron Campbell Newman,<br />
and also initial committee members from 1<strong>99</strong>9, Cal Williams, Geoff Ferguson, Bob Cotter and our current<br />
Secretary Des Cowell.<br />
PAGE 9
Members intending to march in Brisbane on Anzac Day should note that this year the National Service<br />
contingent has been moved up to position 104. In previous years we have been at 146, this year we will move<br />
off approximately 45 minutes earlier – Don’t be late.<br />
BUNDABERG (Meeting: 2nd Saturday each month 1330 hours. Venue: Bundaberg RSL)<br />
Bundaberg Branch Members of the NSAAQ<br />
attended their Christmas 2009 BBQ at Baldwin<br />
Wetlands picnic shed with the usual number in<br />
attendance. A different crew of volunteers did the<br />
cooking and washing up details this year. Thanks<br />
to the women who as usual provided great salads<br />
and sweets. The attached photo shows the 2009<br />
Committee members at the Christmas BBQ. The<br />
December Saturday morning RSL Raffles were<br />
again well handled by our members. The Branch<br />
also took and sold 1000 tickets in the Statewide<br />
NSAAQ Christmas Hampers Raffle and were<br />
rewarded with 3 of the 10 prizes coming back to<br />
the area and which were delivered by Santa-<br />
President John. The funds generated by these two<br />
efforts will hopefully go well towards running the branch for 2010. Don't forget we need a new Committee to<br />
be elected at the AGM on 13th. March at the usual place and time.<br />
CABOOLTURE (Meeting: 3rd Tuesday each month 1930 hours. Venue: seniors citizens Building, Hastings St.)<br />
Our branch was involved in the 150 years<br />
Centenary of Wamuran which was held on Saturday<br />
First August after being washed out previously. We<br />
assisted the Rural Fire brigade in their barbeque<br />
stand.<br />
We had a nice surprise visit from the Bayside Branch on Thursday<br />
where morning tea was had with the help of our Ladies (S W O N<br />
S) Our President Bill gave the history of how the Memorial Park<br />
came into being Bayside Branch provided the Judges for<br />
Caboolture Branch’s Springtime Ball. Neal, Robyn, Leo and<br />
Shirley did the Honours. We thank them sincerely from this<br />
Branch. (Inadvertently omitted from previous issue). Our Council<br />
has placed a plaque in our park in conjunction with our Branch of<br />
the National serviceman's Association Caboolture Branch.<br />
CAIRNS (Meeting: 2nd Thursday each month 1815 hours. Venue: Cairns RSL.)<br />
Sunday 29th November saw Cairns Branch celebrate this years Christmas party, with a theme of “Hawaii In<br />
The Tropics” at the Cairns RSL. Thanks to Betty Williams for entertaining us with her music and leading us<br />
in the sing-a-long and also to Pat Galwey for his Christmas quiz which really tested our knowledge on this<br />
season. Forty-five attended the function with several travelling from Innisfail and the Tablelands.<br />
PAGE 10
A small gift was presented to each of the ladies who<br />
attended.<br />
At the January General Meeting held at the Cairns RSL,<br />
president Fred Cave presented Vice-president Allen Dean<br />
with the prestigious NSAA Meritorious Award in<br />
recognition for his service and dedication to the<br />
advancement of the National Servicemans' cause in the<br />
Cairns and surrounding districts.<br />
Congratulations Allen.<br />
GOLD COAST NORTH (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each even month 0930 hours. Venue: Mudgeerba Light<br />
Horse and National Servicemen’s Precinct)<br />
Continuing our Branch Member’s Profiles - Brian Handke, Gold Coast<br />
North Secretary. Brian was born at Clare, SA, 1933, educated at Farrell<br />
Flat, left school and became a farmer and Shearer. He did his <strong>Nasho</strong><br />
training with I6th N S Battalion in 1953, and CMF with 27 South<br />
Australian Scottish Regiment. He married Sylvia in 1963 and has three<br />
children and six grandchildren. Brian, Sylvia and family moved to the<br />
Gold Coast in 1978. Brian worked at Gold Coast Dairies for twelve<br />
years. They caravanned around Australia for five years, doing a bit of<br />
fruit-picking along the way. Brian joined the <strong>Nasho</strong> Association in May<br />
1<strong>99</strong>5, and later that year became an original member of the Gold Coast<br />
and Districts Branch when it was formed on 31st October 1<strong>99</strong>5. Since<br />
then he has been President for four years, Secretary for six years, and a<br />
member of the SMC for one year. Brian was Secretary, and driving<br />
force, of the 50th Year Planning committee for the National 50th<br />
Anniversary Reunion held on the Gold Coast in 2001. He was awarded<br />
Life Membership of the Association in 2002.<br />
GOLD COAST SOUTH (Meeting: Bi-monthly 1000 hours. Venue: Twin Towns RSL.)<br />
Our Remembrance Sunday 9th November 2009 at our memorial at Point Danger was the first service we had<br />
at the memorial since its dedication in June 2009. Beautiful weather insured a good role up of <strong>Nasho</strong>s and<br />
supporters. Squadron Leader John Parker AFC. DFM. Ret’d.<br />
addressed about the contribution of national service men of<br />
the defence of Australia was well received. Branch Chaplain<br />
Father John Reid’s stirring address echoed the thoughts and<br />
feelings of many. The service was followed by lunch at<br />
Coolangatta Bowls Club and was a fitting end to the day’s<br />
activities. The AGM has been set for March 21 in the ANZAC<br />
room Twin Towns Services Club. Branch President Don Beck<br />
has asked all members to consider standing for all positions on<br />
committee for 2010-2011.<br />
INNISFAIL (Meeting: 4th Tuesday each month 1800 hours. Venue –Innisfail Cultural Complex)<br />
Our Branch has a new Patron, Mr Edward Bosworth MM who was a Staff Sargent in the Wacol Precinct in<br />
the 1950 – 1955. Ted did the honour of presenting the Certificates pf Service for the late Edward O’Farrell to<br />
his daughters at our annual Christmas Party. The Memorial Wall is fitted with more plaques of <strong>Nasho</strong>s who<br />
served in the early days of Wacol. We now have 16 plaques attached to the Wall and Monument. Our<br />
Christmas Party was a huge success, with 50 odd members and associates being present. This was held at the<br />
local RSL and we were well looked after by Chef (Gratten). We hope that everybody is well after the Festive<br />
and ready for a new year.<br />
PAGE 11
IPSWICH AND WEST MORETON (Meeting: 2nd Thursday each month 1900 hours, Venue: RSL North<br />
Ipswich.)<br />
The Branch had the Christmas break-up on Sunday 13th December 09 at the RSL North Ipswich and was<br />
attended by our guests Ivan Davis State Vice-President and wife Coral and Tony Stevenson State<br />
Administration Manager, thank you for attending. The Festive Season is over once again and we hope that<br />
everyone has recovered and looking forward to another busy year. We have some social activities already<br />
planned. As there is not a lot to report at this time of the year we wish all members of all branches a Happy<br />
New Year.<br />
MACKAY (Meeting: 4th Monday each month 1730 hours. Venue: North Mackay Bowling Club)<br />
MacKay <strong>Nasho</strong>s celebrated Christmas at the end of<br />
another successful year. We were invited to attend the<br />
passing out parades of the Army, Navy and Air Force<br />
cadet units where our perpetual trophies were<br />
presented to the recipients. National Servicemen’s<br />
Day Church Service was held this year at St/. Joseph’s<br />
Catholic Church, North MacKay on Sunday 14th<br />
February. We have been invited to attend the launch of<br />
this years “Debt of Honour Pilgrimage Tour of<br />
Gallipoli and the Western <strong>Front</strong> Battlefields and<br />
Cemeteries. MacKay <strong>Nasho</strong>s are keen supporters of<br />
these tours, and also the presentation evening on their<br />
return. The students become very emotional<br />
presenting photos and information to the relatives of<br />
the fallen. Our social committee has a full on programme for 2010.<br />
MARYBOROUGH (Meeting: 1st Tuesday each<br />
month. Venue: Maryborough RSL.)<br />
50 members and supporters attended the Annual<br />
Christmas Dinner of the Maryborough and District<br />
Branch at the Maryborough Cricket Club on<br />
Wednesday 9th December 2009. The group was<br />
entertained by "High Noon" a two man band run by<br />
Dolph Brett (<strong>Nasho</strong>) and his son Shane. A buffet<br />
dinner was supplied by the Club and the evening was<br />
enjoyed by all. 3 hams supplied by Greg's Meats<br />
(Tinana, Maryborough) and 3 "Lions" Christmas<br />
cakes were presented as a door prize. Winners in<br />
photo order were Bill Jacobsen, Dell Birt, Dolph<br />
Brett, Les Wood, Anthony Bradshaw and Mavis<br />
Goddard.<br />
REDCLIFFE (Meeting: 4th Wednesday each month 1930 hours. Venue: Redcliffe RSL)<br />
Every Wednesday night, a few loyal members continue selling raffle tickets at the Redcliffe RSL, giving us<br />
the opportunity to support local Charities and our Branch members. Members also give their time to sell<br />
memorabilia prior to ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and Remembrance Day. Until recently we enjoyed<br />
a BBQ once a month, on the Sunday after our monthly meeting. Enjoyable as these were on the waterfront at<br />
Redcliffe, Sunday did not suit all members, so the decision was made to get together on a week day, at different<br />
venues. Come to the next meeting to find out where the next venue will be. Twenty members and supporters<br />
travelled by bus to Yandina for morning tea and visit to the Majestic Theatre in Pomona to view a silent movie<br />
– The Strong Man. Fourteen members and supporters had a night out at the Redcliffe Paceway for dinner and<br />
entertainment. This proved a success and the Redcliffe Trotting Committee named the 4th race after National<br />
Servicemen. Our Christmas Diner was held at the Redcliffe RSL and although numbers were down, those who<br />
attended had an enjoyable evening – good food and comradeship. (Some of the brave ones even dance).<br />
PAGE 12
REDLANDS (Meeting: 1st Sunday each month 1000 hours. Venue: Redland RSL, Cleveland)<br />
The Redland Branch finished up 2009 with a Christmas party in the Legions Room of the Redland RSL. About 130<br />
people in total including <strong>Nasho</strong>s and their partners attended and invited guests for the day included the President<br />
from the RSL, our State <strong>Nasho</strong> President, Bill Morriss, and Vice President Ivan who were accompanied by their<br />
partners. A fun day was had by all as our compere was Jock Strap, a “Scottish” gentleman complete with kilt and<br />
paint brush sporran. He was ably assisted by a female vocalist and a Mentalist who went around the tables<br />
enthralling us with his feats. We’ve already started off 2010 with the supply and installation of a Memorial Plaque<br />
and flag pole at the Capalaba State High School. We’re looking forward to attending the dedication on the Anzac<br />
Day service at the school. This memorial is the first of an ongoing project as there are more planned for local schools<br />
ROCKHAMPTON (Meeting: 4th Wednesday each month 1030 hours. Venue: Frenchville Sports Club.)<br />
Welcome to a New Year, and may everyone enjoy good health and each others company. The Rockhampton branch<br />
had a good finish to 2009. Our Christmas function was a<br />
beauty with in excess of 60 members together with their wives<br />
and partners thoroughly enjoying themselves. In November<br />
the Branch made a generous donation to the 132 Army Cadet<br />
Unit - Capricornia. The Unit has suffered three major breakins<br />
as well as vandalism and some expensive equipment<br />
stolen. The trip to Gladstone in October was another good day.<br />
Hospitality extended by the Gladstone boys was first class.<br />
Our sausage sizzle held at Bunnings on 27th December was<br />
another successful fund-raiser, even though it was right in the<br />
middle of the Christmas - New Year weekend. The<br />
Rockhampton Branch is looking forward to a great 2010.<br />
SUNSHINE COAST (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday Bi-monthly at 1000 hours. Venue: Maroochydore RSL House.)<br />
The AGM of the Sunshine Coast Branch will be held on Tuesday 9th March 2010 at RSL House Maroochydore at<br />
10am. All positions will be declared vacant and an election will be held for the positions of President, Vice President,<br />
Treasurer, Secretary, and committee persons. Please have your nominations in on time and on the correct<br />
nomination form available from the Secretary. Our next picnic will be held at Ewan Maddock Dam at Mooloola<br />
on Sunday 18th April 2010. Please note the date which has been moved forward because of an early Easter and<br />
school holidays. Come along and enjoy the company of fellow members, wives, and friends.<br />
PAGE 13
TABLELANDS (Meeting: 2nd Sunday each month 1030 hours. Venue: Rocky Creek War Memorial Park <strong>Nasho</strong> Shelter.)<br />
Branch members observed Remembrance Day with a memorial service conducted by Branch Padre, Captain Jeff<br />
Bush at Platypus Park, Atherton. Our Branch Chaplain for the last four years, Captain Jeff Bush and wife Sharilyn<br />
were farewelled at a dinner at Yungaburra on 24<br />
November. They have been transferred to Gladstone in<br />
their role as Salvation Army officers. Local Prison<br />
Chaplain, Salvo Lieutenant Mike Grant has indicated that<br />
he would like to continue in this role. Our Branch<br />
Treasurer for the last two years, John Wicking along with<br />
his wife Maureen are moving to live in Perth. John has<br />
done a wonderful job in carrying out his Treasurer’s role.<br />
Members and supporters held a Branch farewell lunch at<br />
Barry and Ailsa Crittenden’s residence at Tolga on 31<br />
January. Tableland member’s commemorations for <strong>Nasho</strong><br />
Day were held at Innisfail on 14 February. Several new<br />
<strong>Nasho</strong> memorial plaques were unveiled and dedicated as<br />
part of the <strong>Nasho</strong>’s memorial wall adjoining their<br />
memorial in Anzac Park. This is planned following the march through the streets of Innisfail with Cairns and<br />
Tableland members supporting their Innisfail members.<br />
TOOWOOMBA (Meeting: 2nd Tuesday Odd months 1900 hours. Venue: Irish Club Hotel)<br />
Christmas Get-together. About forty people gathered for our Christmas Party at the Royal Hotel on 29th<br />
November. The meal was very good and the service too, there was a multidraw raffle, and President Pete made a<br />
short speech. He thanked everyone for coming and wished all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Terry<br />
McGovern pretended to chop off Pete’s gaudy tie for a laugh, there was lots of chatter over the meal and drinks, and<br />
all went home happy. Many thanks go to organisers Pat and Barbara. January Meeting. State President Bill<br />
Morriss and wife Lois joined us for our meeting, and guest speakers were Max Chambers AOM and Bob Stack,<br />
both ex-RAAF Flt Sgt technicians on the F-111 at Amberley. They gave a very interesting and informative rundown<br />
on the operation, maintenance and modification of F-111’s, and showed photos taken during complete<br />
cockpit wiring refits done at Amberley. It was astounding to see the spaghetti maze that exists in such a sophisticated<br />
machine. Several Toowoomba <strong>Nasho</strong>s trained in the RAAF at Amberley, so interest level was high, and many<br />
questions were asked. Thanks muchly fellas. Max and Bob are members of the Vietnam Veterans Federation<br />
(Laidley Branch) and spend much of their time in welfare support for Vietnam veterans in their local area and<br />
beyond. Our next meeting is on 9th March. It will be our AGM.<br />
TOWNSVILLE: (Meetings 2nd Wednesday of each month 1930 hours. Venue: Townsville R.S.L.<br />
Our Christmas Party was held at the Townsville RSL on Friday, 4th December, 2009 and was well attended by 160<br />
Members, Wives, friends and Guests who rolled up to enjoy the good food, cold beverages and hilarious<br />
entertainment provided by the 'Retired Village People' performed by Warren 'Boss' Hegarty, Phil 'Chopper'<br />
Nicholson, Geoff 'Starksy' Nicol and George<br />
'Geronomo' Morgan who belted out Y.M.C.A.<br />
After their performance other dignitaries were<br />
forced on to the floor including Deputy<br />
President of RSL 'Dutchy' Heaslip, Federal<br />
Member Peter Lindsay, Mayor Les Tyrell,<br />
DVAs Justin Shaw and our Patron Brigadier<br />
Neil Weekes. 'For ‘NASHO DAY' a Memorial<br />
Wall has been added and will have some<br />
Plaques mounted thereon in memory of our<br />
deceased Members. This was dedicated by our<br />
Branch Chaplain Archdeacon John Emerson<br />
who will conduct the Service. We have some 30<br />
members looking forward to going to Canberra<br />
in September.<br />
PAGE 14
THE WINNING SMILE<br />
This painting, commissioned by Rex Kirkham<br />
of the Gunners Signallers Club and presented<br />
by the President, Nigel Stevens, to the State<br />
President, Bill Morriss, commemorates<br />
Sgt.Harry Brodie of D Coy of the 11th National<br />
Service Battalion. The Company won the Cock<br />
O’ The Walk trophy (later the Telegraph Shield)<br />
for best Company in the 1st intake at Wacol in<br />
1951. Sgt. Brodie went on to win many similar<br />
awards during his four years at Wacol. Harry<br />
joined the Australian Army in 1942 and served in<br />
New Guinea. During his service Harry had an<br />
enlistment number, followed by QX52838 for the<br />
AIF. After the war he decided to make army life<br />
his career, so on re-enlisting in the Regular Army<br />
he received the serial number of 130656, followed<br />
by 1/733 when the army changed serial numbers.<br />
Remarkably he can still recall these. He served<br />
with the 11 National Service Training Battalion<br />
Wacol until 1954, before transferring to the Royal<br />
Australian Artillery and was stationed in four<br />
different regiments. Eventually he was promoted<br />
to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1, as RSM of<br />
11 Field Regiment Annerley in 1964, a position he<br />
held until his retirement from the army in 1972.<br />
And cautionary tales for all our members:<br />
PAGE 15
LAST POST<br />
1/701736 Amisano Aldo Wacol 1st Intake 1952<br />
1735982 Badke David Bruce Singleton 1st Intake 1970<br />
1/728341 Balmer Don Wacol 3rd Intake 1958<br />
2/730346 Boorer Arthur Charles Holsworthy 2nd Intake 1954<br />
1/726971 Carver William Wacol 1st Intake 1958<br />
1/724124 Cox Laurence Russell Wacol 3rd Intake 1952<br />
1735596 Douglas Geoffrey<br />
A220513 Gainer Michael Farmer Wagga Wagga 1st Intake 1957<br />
1/700722 Harper Bill Wacol 1st Intake 1951<br />
5580NS Hunter Ken HMAS Penguin 11 July 1955<br />
1/722937 Jaques Raymond GeorgeWacol 3rd Intake 1956<br />
1/701179 Kerin Ken Wacol 1st Intake 1951<br />
1/726838 Mammino John Wacol 1st Intake 1958<br />
1734307 May Stanley John Singleton 2nd Intake 1968<br />
1/706229 New John Beresford Wacol 2nd Intake 1953<br />
1/705702 Villalba Daniel Peter Wacol 1st Intake 1953<br />
1/708596 Wilson John Dallas Wacol 3rd Intake 1953<br />
THEY SERVED AUSTRALIA<br />
ISSUE No 100 will be a special retrospective of the Queensland Branch<br />
since its founding in Toowoomba in 1987. It will be mainly photos.<br />
There will be no Branch News. We are inviting each Branch to send us one<br />
photograph that they would like to have published. We prefer that it is not<br />
of your Memorial because they have been in previous issues.<br />
We need high resolution prints or scans for the best reproduction. Send<br />
them to the Editor at allgwen@powerup.com.au or via State HQ P.O.Box<br />
7014 Holland Park East Q 4121.<br />
PAGE 16
NASHO NOTICEBOARD<br />
Got a reunion planned Looking for an old<br />
<strong>Nasho</strong> mate Want to get information on<br />
anything This is your page . . .<br />
GENERAL MEETING/ANNUAL<br />
GENERAL MEETING<br />
A General Meeting of the National Servicemen’s<br />
Association of Australia (Queensland) Inc will be held<br />
at 12:30p.m. for 1p.m. on Saturday 27 March 2010 at<br />
the National Service Heritage Precinct, 1001 Boundary<br />
Street, Wacol<br />
All financial Ordinary Members, Life Subscribed and<br />
Life Members shall be entitled to vote at these<br />
meetings. Proxy voting is permissible. Completed<br />
proxy voting forms should be returned to State Office<br />
by Friday, 19th March 2010.<br />
Details of nominees for election and proxy voting<br />
forms are available from the State Office as well as<br />
Branch Secretaries.<br />
At the conclusion of the General Meeting, the Annual<br />
General Meeting will be held.<br />
ANZAC DAY<br />
THE NSAA WANTS YOU<br />
to help sell badges in the Queen Street Mall. The<br />
day is Friday 23 April. All you have to do is stand<br />
there with a tray and you’ll find people will walk<br />
up to you wanting to buy a badge. Wear your<br />
slouch hat so they know you’re a serviceman. It’s<br />
pleasant duty and you’ll be helping your<br />
Association. Put your name down with Don<br />
Henderson today on 3829 0649<br />
THE ANZAC DAY MARCH. The National<br />
Service contingent will form up at position 106 in<br />
George Street at Stephens Lane (between the old<br />
Executive and Government Printer buildings).<br />
You should be there about 10:30a.m. for step-off<br />
about 11:15 to 11:30a.m. Look for the NSAA<br />
banner. Preferred dress is beret, slouch hat or<br />
NSAA peaked cap; blue or black blazer; white or<br />
blue shirt; NSAA tie; grey trousers and black<br />
shoes. Medals will be worn.<br />
DELEGATES’ MEETING<br />
A Delegates’ Meeting of the National<br />
Servicemen’s Association of<br />
Australia (Queensland) Inc. will be<br />
held at 9:30a.m. for 10a.m. on<br />
Saturday, 27 March at the National<br />
Service Heritage Precinct, 1001<br />
Boundary Road Wacol.<br />
Howard Bazeley, State Secretary<br />
BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA<br />
The Australian-American Association<br />
(Brisbane Association)<br />
invites you to attend a service<br />
commemorating the 68th anniversary<br />
of the Battle of the Coral Sea.<br />
When – Saturday, 8 May 2010, commencing at 10am.<br />
Where-<br />
The Australian-American War Memorial<br />
Newstead Park (cnr) Breakfast Creek Rd. and<br />
Newstead Ave, Newstead Q 4006.)<br />
The Service will be followed by morning tea.<br />
RSVP 28 April 2010 ph: 3324 1277<br />
Dress: Uniform or Business Attire<br />
Medals to be worn.<br />
Smoking is the only habit where you<br />
get to light up and keep your own<br />
ashes before they cremate you.<br />
SPECIAL EDITION NASHO NEWS.<br />
<strong>Issue</strong> No100 will be a special retrospective issue covering the 23 years of the Queensland Branch. Instead<br />
of Branch News, we invite you to send one special photo (preferably not your Memorial) you would like<br />
published to commemorate your Branch. Please make it a high resolution print or scan and email it to the<br />
Editor or post to P.O.Box 7014 Holland Park East, Q 4121.
The good word on the future of the National Service Heritage Precinct at Wacol. John Smallwood, General Manager<br />
of Metroplex, outlines to the Queensland President of the NSAA, Bill Morriss and State Management Committee<br />
members the latest concepts for the redevelopment of the former Wacol Army camp.<br />
For full details, see the story on <strong>Page</strong> 2.<br />
Printed by Monoset Printers & Typesetters Phone 3205 4277 Fax 3881 1826<br />
NATIONAL SERVICEMEN’S ASSOC<br />
(QUEENSLAND) INC. NEWSLETTER<br />
PUBLICATION No. P.P. 444963/000003<br />
P.O. BOX 7014 HOLLAND PARK EAST<br />
QLD, 4121<br />
SURFACE<br />
MAIL<br />
POSTAGE<br />
PAID<br />
AUSTRALIA